Sarah Stevenson

8 February 1990 - 10 March 1990
Opening Reception 8 February 1990 8pm

West Gallery:

Nothing Up My Sleeve

Montreal artist Sarah Stevenson’s solo exhibition at Mercer Union takes the form of two related groups of sculptures collectively titled ‘Nothing Up My Sleeve’. These sculptural groupings of found objects and materials appear simultaneously fragile and indestructible, contemporary and historical, abstract and familiar.

Employing non-traditional art materials to create sculptural installations, Stevenson handles the materials as if dealing with remnants from the past, artifacts potent with meaning but inexplicit in terms of source, function or original context. Her choice of materials utilizes inherent references to industrialization and post industrial commodification, emphasizing the surface dualities – the patina, fractures, dents and transparency. These ‘artifacts’ are grouped in an attempt to form complex relationships that evoke a variety of personal responses and memories from each viewer.

An emerging West Coast artist currently residing in Montreal, Sarah Stevenson has been exhibiting her work since 1985 in Vancouver, Banff, Montreal and Toronto. In conjunction with this exhibition, Mercer Union has produced an interview with the artist by Montreal artist Martha Townsend, which will be made available to the public throughout the duration of the exhibition.